Production models of Gulfstream’s new, near-supersonic flagship G650—which received FAA certification in the U.S. on September 7—have been rolling off the assembly line and winging their way to completion centers. The manufacturer expects to have the $64.5 million, 12,963-kilometer-range bizjet into the hands of customers before the end of this year.

U.S.-based NetJets, which revolutionized business aviation in North America with its fractional aircraft ownership model, aims to take a role in China’s business aviation revolution—but with charter and management services, rather than its signature portfolio of shared-ownership plans. To pursue this goal, the company established NetJets China Business Aviation Ltd. in March 2012.

It’s not every day you get to share sushi and spring rolls with one of the world’s most iconic actors, and I have dined out on the story ever since. Though John Travolta and I were hunched over a low table and the wasabi dip was making my eyes stream, I felt entirely at ease thanks to his friendly, down-to-earth manner—which perhaps explains some of his phenomenal success.

Looking to buy a business airplane or a helicopter? This directory offers a great place to start your search, as it incorporates data about pricing, cabin size, seating, range and production for all the models you’re likely to consider.

International air charter companies say China’s limited general aviation infrastructure and lack of cultural awareness of charter constrain near-term internal growth. So for now these providers are concentrating on bringing international charter passengers to China’s doorstep and establishing local contacts and partnerships.

With demand for business aircraft weak in traditional markets like the U.S., many manufacturers are looking to China for growth. At last year’s Asian Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (ABACE), Canada’s Bombardier—which now claims about a third of the Chinese market—said it expects the number of business aircraft in the country to increase dramatically by 2030.

With a house, your requirements play a big role in determining what you buy. You need such basic amenities as bedrooms, bathrooms and a kitchen. But emotion also drives your purchasing decision. No one really needs a 3,000-square-meter home with marble floors, refrigerators that connect to the Internet and floor-to-ceiling windows; these things are aspirational.

Welcome to the second annual Chinese edition of the Buyers’ Guide from Business Jet Traveler, the bimonthly international magazine we created 10 years ago to help readers maximize their investment in private jet travel.

Quote/Unquote

““When I made the film The Invention of Lying, they gave me a private jet for getting back and forth between New York and London. I thought, ‘I will never use it’ but I ended up using it every weekend. You turn up, right, and the airport is completely empty. I mean, there’s just someone at the desk and then the pilot, who says, ‘Are you ready to go?’ and you say, ‘Don’t you want to see my passport?’ and he goes, ‘Oh yeah, I suppose I’d better.’”
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